Health Benefits of Black Pepper in Ayurveda

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Black pepper is a spice which is equally renowned for its spicy flavour, which can add a zing to any bland dish, as for its medicinal uses. Black pepper has been extensively used in Ayurvedic medicines and also forms a part of many home remedies in India. This spice is native to the southern-most state of India, Kerala, from where it is still exported to all parts of the world in bulk quantities.

Essentially, this spice grows as a small herbal plant which blooms into small white flowers. The flowers are dried giving rise to peppercorns. These peppercorns are ground into a fine powder which is easier to use for consumption and is called ‘black pepper’. The spicy flavour of black pepper is derived from a chemical called piperine which is ingrained into the peppercorn itself. Since ancient times, black pepper has been used as a remedy for a myriad of diseases such as those relating to indigestion, weight loss, anaemia, heart diseases and dental diseases.

Black pepper contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. A rough break down of the nutrients in a 100 gms bowl of black pepper is given below:

As far as culinary use of black pepper is concerned, it is a very versatile spice and can be used in almost any dish. However, there are also a number of health benefits associated with black pepper. Below are some of the health benefits because of which black pepper became a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines.

1. Black Pepper Aids Digestion

Black pepper is often used as a remedy for digestion related problems like bloating, belching, constipation etc. The unique compounds present in black pepper together work towards enhancing production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, making it easier for the stomach to break down the food. Ultimately, black pepper not only gives a person a good digestive system but also treats intestinal diseases by curbing the activity of micro bacteria.

2. Black Pepper Promotes Weight Loss

Black pepper has a hard outer covering which is very beneficial for breaking down the fat cells. The direct consequence of breaking down of fat cells is that they become easier to absorb into the blood stream. Ultimately, this means that fat does not get accumulated. On the other hand, such quick absorption of fat in the system also increases the body’s metabolism.

3. Black Pepper Gives Relief from Congestion

Black pepper is also a popular remedial ingredient for loosening up the phlegm trapped in the throat and chest during a common cold or flu. Black pepper contains a natural irritant which can cause the phlegm to rise up so that you can throw it out of your system through a simple sneeze. Once the bacteria induced phlegm is out, it doesn’t take too long for the cold to cure itself.

4. Black Pepper Prevents Free Radical Damage

Black pepper acts as a natural anti-oxidant for the body and prevents healthy cells from getting damaged due to action of bacteria or other cellular metabolisms. Ultimately, this property of black pepper goes a long way towards acting as a preventive measure for cancer, cardiovascular diseases as well as potential liver problems.

5. Black Pepper Induces Appetite

Black pepper is not just good for digestion, it is also a great food to stimulate appetite. The best way to take black pepper to avail this particular benefit is to mix about half a tea spoon of black pepper powder mixed with the same quantity of ground jiggery and wash it down with a cup of warm water about half an hour before your meal. Black pepper induces olfactory simulation which gives you a good appetite.

6. Black Pepper Gives Relief in Arthritis

Like many other spices too, black pepper also contains anti-inflammatory properties. It can work towards reducing the internal inflammation of muscles in patients with arthritis and promote smooth flow of blood which is bound to reduce the pain as well as the swelling.

7. Black Pepper Maintains Dental Hygiene

Black pepper’s anti-bacterial action is a great way to ensure dental hygiene. Apart from that, black pepper can also prevent other dental problems like bleeding gums, inflammation in the gums and even toothache. The best way to use black pepper for dental problems is to mix it with a pinch of salt and massage your gums lightly with the mixture using a soft brush or even your finger.

8. Black Pepper Acts as an Anti-Depressant

Black pepper is not just a great spice for flavour, it also directly effects the cognitive function of the brain which can induce a person to feel happier. The chemical piperine which adds the actual spicy flavour to black pepper is responsible for increasing the beta-endorphins in the brain which in turn result in a feeling of natural well-being.

9. Black Pepper Revitalizes the Skin

Black pepper acts as a natural scrub for the skin and can effectively exfoliate it by removing the dead skin cells. In fact, it is much better than any cosmetic scrub available in the market since it also contains anti-bacterial properties which leave the skin clean and radiant as well anti-inflammatory properties which take care of any pimple or blemish. Black pepper also stimulates flow of blood and can fight signs of ageing like wrinkles after prolonged consumption.

10. Black pepper for healthy hair

A paste of black pepper and curd applied to the hair has been a popular cure for getting rid of dandruff. Even otherwise, to get shiny, lustrous hair, all you have to do is mix a bit of black pepper to your regular hair oil or to 2-3 spoons of lemon juice and massage your scalp with the solution.

Practicing and promoting Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda and it’s health products in Orlando, Florida and ultimate aim is to promote it to USA level. Getting up at 6 am and doing 45 minutes Kriya Yoga meditation and before going to bed also. After waking up 6 hours no food and water, after 6 hours swallowing 6 black pepper, with little bouillon cubes or call methi grains and half spoon ginger powder. Then take two glasses of Vegetable juices and vegetable salads at 4 pm. At 6 pm one glass whey protein powder with half spoon turmeric powder, one spoon honey and half spoon and before 7 pm fruit salads or light dinner.This is daily and orderly routine with 45 minutes Gym exercise. Check my name on Face Book

I have been using black pepper in my daily routine, in my drinks, yoghurt, soups, daals etc. and it has definitely benefited me. I am a senior citizen and I have arthritis, but regular Yoga and inclusion of various spices(including turmeric and black pepper), amla, ginger, garlic, seeds and nuts in my diet, has kept it under control, and in check. It should be however a routine, and of long standing. The benefits are slow and steady and not dramatic, but lasting.

Black pepper in Ayurveda:
This quote from your post is not correct >Essentially, this spice grows as a small herbal plant< It is a vine usually around trees or as the cultivator designed supports. Also where you give the iron and other content per 100 grams do the percent shown mean of the daily needs – clarification please

Thank you so much for your brief, yet comprehensive information on black pepper and the nutritional values of all other variety of herbs and spices. Your format is awesome in clarity of information supplemented with pictorial variety of nature that arouses one’s inherent divinity; our oneness with all other forms of creation such as the plant kingdom. Your effort in making this information available is highly valuable to mankind. The good seed you are sowing in this site will soon blossom as a gigantic tree of pure knowledge in our conscience. W are indebted to you and your crew of volunteers, who makes this website available to global readers. I always pass on to others any information that can arouse the inherent divinity within all of us, helping every person to be their best balance in regard and reverence to all other species. Just the other day, when my Indian friend came to have lunch with me (at home of course), I showed her the organic black pepper I just purchased and told her why she need to take this wonderful spice (our friend and ally) to cleanse the entire bodily system, including the lungs and digestive system as the black and red peppers help to break down the mucus like plaque that lingers on the delicate tree of the lung. She was in awe. Unfortunately, people are under the impression that these family of herbs that we turn them to spices, who are sacrificing their life to support all other forms of life on earth, are for arousing the taste buds in human so that they can indulge more in such endeavor indiscriminitively. I was telling my friend why we need to honor and respect these herbs and embrace them to our hearts, meaning to share mutual love and affection with them. This is just a fair reciprocity because without these herbs and the chain of plants as the source of our food, we will not survive and will be destroyed with our own ignorance. May your site helps millions of people to find their ways to their heart. Again I thank you so much for your efforts in sharing love through this beautiful website. May you always flourish to the highest place in this garden of divinity that is everywhere. Blessings and love to all of you

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